An accessible, clear, concise, and contemporary course in geotechnical engineering, this key text: strikes a balance between theory and practical applications for an introductory course in soil mechanics keeps mechanics to a minimum for the students to appreciate the background, assumptions and limitations of the theories discusses implications of the key ideas to provide students with an understanding of the context for their application gives a modern explanation of soil behaviour is presented particularly in soil settlement and soil strength offers substantial on-line resources to support teaching and learning